Genesis G70 is Korea's 3-Series Challenger

Another entrant in the compact luxury sedan fight

Genesis' first all-new vehicle has arrived. Today at Genesis’ design center in Namyang, Korea, the G70 sedan was introduced. This model has a tough task ahead of it as the model will enter one of the highly competitive market segments, the compact luxury sedan. On paper, the G70 has a recipe that looks unbeatable.

There is a fair amount of the New York Concept in the G70's design, which is a good thing. The front is reminiscent of the G80 and G90, but there is a little bit of aggression in the bumper and hood. The side profile is very similar to the current BMW 3-Series, right down to the fender vents. Around back is where we run into some trouble. We like the short rear deck, but someone pointed out that the G70's rear looks almost the same as the recently departed Chrysler 200 - an image we cannot get out of heads.

Inside, Genesis went with a minimalist approach with little brightwork and no wood trim - similar to what you see in the Jaguar XE. Quilted leather upholstery is available. An eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, and 15-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system is optional.

An eight-speed automatic will be standard on all engines, while a manual transmission with limited-slip differential will be on the options list. There will be the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

We'll learn more details about the G70 for North America early next year, possibly including price.

Dr. Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division, key Genesis brand officials, and approximately 300 international automotive journalists participated in the activities. The G70 goes on sale in Korea on September 20th, with timing for its rollout in other markets to be announced soon.

“The Genesis G70 is the latest demonstration of our dedication to delivering innovative, customer-oriented vehicles,” said Vice Chairman Yang. “We will continue to focus our R&D efforts on the development and expansion of the Genesis brand. It is a great point of pride to have Genesis showcase what a true luxury brand of Korean origin can present to our discerning customers.”

The Genesis G70 is an athletic sedan characterized by its graceful and dynamic exterior styling; elegant and intuitively designed interior; choice of three different powertrains. Customers will be able to select between a turbocharged 3.3-liter gasoline V6, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline I4, and a 2.2-liter I4 diesel models.

Hot stamping methods and extended use of structural adhesives have been employed to enhance torsional rigidity and improve overall body stiffness.

“G70 Seoul 2017”

To commemorate this important moment, 15,000 people will celebrate the official unveiling of the G70 at “G70·Seoul 2017,” a global launch festival held on September 15th in Seoul’s Olympic Park.

“The launch of the Genesis G70 is an important milestone for our brand,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, Head of Genesis Division. “We deliberately chose Seoul, as this is our place of origin. This is where we are coming together with our customers and friends in the music industry to celebrate as a people’s festival.”

“G70 Seoul 2017” is a brand celebration of Genesis and the new G70, featuring global music superstars Gwen Stefani, Andra Day and CL. While attendance is capped at 15,000, more than 80,000 people expressed interest in being part of the festivities.

Completing the Genesis sedan lineup

The G70 completes the Genesis brand’s sedan lineup, along with the G90 flagship and mid-luxury G80. The arrival of G70 further strengthens the Genesis brand’s presence in the global luxury market.

In November 2015, Genesis launched and set out to compete with the world’s top luxury automakers as a Korean brand. To differentiate itself in the luxury segment, Genesis strives to make a positive impact in the lifestyles of its discerning customers through a progressive and innovative approach to performance and design excellence.

Genesis launched the flagship G90 sedan in December 2015, followed by the G80 sedan in July 2016 in Korea. Since the brand’s inception, Genesis has sold more than 150,000 units, with strong performances in both Korea and the U.S.

Genesis has also received many accolades, most recently, ranking highest among premium automakers in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), topping all 13 brands in the premium segment.

The G70 marks the completion of Genesis sedan line-up and the brand will now start strengthening its lineup with SUVs and alternative powertrains. Genesis plans to roll out new products to expand its presence and coverage across the global market and six models are expected in its product portfolio by 2021.

An Exterior with Genesis’ Unique Design Identity

The all-new G70 showcases the future direction of the Genesis brand’s design identity.

Athletic elegance is represented in the exterior styling, as the car captures both beauty and tension, like an athlete poised to perform.

Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Genesis Design, said, “At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sports sedan. This challenge required the highest skills and know-how. The G70 is designed to captivate all senses with its sensuous and tensioned muscular volumes.”

The long hood and short front overhang, elegant roofline and assertive multi-spoke alloy wheels combine to form a sleek, dynamic profile, subtly highlighted by dark chrome aero trim.

From the front and side, the G70’s prominent crest-type grille, character lines extending from the hood emblem, and pronounced air intakes communicate the muscular performance that the car is capable of.

Two distinctive linear LED DRLs on each side of the large crest grille foreshadow the future Genesis signature quad lamps.

In the rear, the LED rear combination lamps continue the quad lamp theme, while the raised trunk lid and compact bumper designs give the G70 a poised character. The rear lamps, evolved from the G80, have been stretched to the end of the rear to convey a wide and dynamic stance.

A Sophisticated, Driver-Focused Interior

G70’s interior is configured to prioritize an excellent user experience, with superb fit and finish throughout. The interior packaging reflects the thoughtfulness that drives the Genesis brand, with a priority on simplicity and an emphasis on genuine functionality instead of gimmickry.

A horizontal layout brings a sense of stability and the driver-focused packaging provides a comfortable driving environment, with intuitively laid out switchgear and a comfortable, assertive sport steering wheel.

A new paint-finishing method separates small, evenly distributed aluminum particles and high luminosity colors, maximizing the brilliance of the exterior colors.

The passenger cabin is available in five different colors: Obsidian Black, Sandstorm Gray, Velvet Burgundy, Tobacco Brown and Vanilla Beige. Two additional interior colors, which are Sports Gray and Sports Red will be dedicated to the G70 Sport and the high-end trim level for the 2.0T.

Driving Character -- Agile Yet Safe, Dynamic Yet Quiet

The G70 offers three powertrains – a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline turbo, 2.0-liter I4 gasoline turbo and a 2.2-liter I4 diesel. The 3.3-liter V6 turbo is the backbone of the enthusiast-focused “G70 Sport.”

The G70 Sport is equipped with the Lambda II 3.3-liter V6 turbo GDI engine, with 370 PS and maximum torque of 52.0kgf·m.

G70 Sport is a dynamic and powerful performer with 0 to 100 kph (62.5 mph) acceleration in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 270 kph (167/168 mph). Variable-ratio steering and electronically controlled suspension are standard to provide agile steering response and an optimal ride-and-handling experience.

The seat positions have been adjusted to lower the center of gravity of the car to maximize performance. To augment the driving experience, the Active Sound Design (ASD) system creates an aural character that reflects the engine load and driving mode settings.

Noise, vibration and harshness have been minimized in the G70 through enhancements in multiple areas including vehicle body structure; exhaust system; sound absorption and isolation; suspension and body frame connection; and the design of the side mirrors and door sealing systems.

The performance-focused sedan has been tested under the most challenging environments and surfaces in the world, including Death Valley (U.S.), northern Sweden, the Nürburgring (Germany) and the Alps (Austria) for driving stability, handling, durability and power delivery.

Best-in-Class Safety

Following the trend of the G90 and G80, the G70 offers the most comprehensive levels of safety in its class. Overall body stiffness and rigidity have been dramatically strengthened.

The G70 has also been designed to help protect pedestrians – when imminent impact with a pedestrian is detected, its active hood function operates by lifting the hood to absorb shock and minimize the risk of injury.

An unparalleled suite of advanced driver assist systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Awareness Warning (DAW) have been added as part of the ‘Genesis Active Safety Control’ to offer the highest level of safety and convenience in its class.

The FCA system provides added safety with newly developed technology designed not only to protect vehicles and pedestrians, but also cyclists on the road. It automatically activates emergency braking through integrated radar-camera sensors when detecting bicycles.

Genesis aims to receive the highest ratings from both international and domestic organizations including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Korea New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP).

Exceptional Comfort and Convenience

The G70 incorporates a diverse range of advanced technologies that deliver ultimate convenience and connectivity.

An example includes the smart posture control system, initially introduced in the G90. When the driver’s body information is input, the system automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and heads-up display to the optimal position, ensuring minimal stress even on long journeys.

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I like it, but as already mentioned it is now a crowded segment, and probably not one with a lot of growth in it any time soon given the preference for CUVs.... I'm sure Genesis would much rather be unveiling their X3/Q5 etc competitor. I also expect the Tesla Model 3 to impact this segment.

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I like the styling, Genesis is developing a decent design language for itself. It highlights the RWD proportions well.

I knew this was loosely related to the Stinger, but when I looked at the interiors back to back, you can actually see that it shares all the hard points, ventilation, stereo speakers, infotainment screen, and appears to have some possible carryover switchgear.

They generally did a good job differentiating the interior design to hide this fact, but it's underwhelming to see direct sharing between a Kia and the first ground-up Genesis model.

With all that said, I look forward to seeing this car in action.

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I agree with those who say it has derivative styling, the headlights look like they came off a 3-series, there is a lot of Mazda vibe with this car, and that is the problem with the Genesis brand overall, they don't really have a unique design language. It just looks like a mishmash of other brands.

The interior looks like it came from a Mazda 6, which is nice for a family sedan, not so good if competing with Mercedes and Audi and BMW. I think that interior will let them down unless they are priced way less than the Germans. Or at CLA/A3 money, not A4/C-class money.

The powertrain options look solid, the ATS really needs a turbo V6, that 3.6 liter is down 100 lb-ft of torque to the G70. If Hyundai wants to make a splash they would put the 5.0 V8 in this car with twin turbos, or do some sort of hybrid off the 3.3 V6 that adds like a 150 hp electric motor.

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I still think JDN is being cagey with words when he says that the number of sedans will be reduced. Yes, the XTS obviously will go, but I think the "sedans" part should be examined. The ATS and CTS aren't going to be combined into a single car, there will be vehicles in both slots... they just might not be sedans. Think new Regal Sportback, Kia Stinger, Tesla Model S as examples.

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ATS/CTS replacements' engine line-up is a no-brainer.. 2.0T, 3.0TT, 4.0L(?)T or whatever V8 is in the Camaro. That being said... CT3 and CT5 should directly be cousins to whatever the higher volume Camaro and Impala (yup.. I'm on that again). Personally I'm with Drew on this.. I think that JDN is being coy.. and we will see direct replacements to each car except the XTS, and there is a strong possibility that the we will be seeing the CT8 as well. Considering his philosophy at Audi brought us an A3(yes this was brought forth on his watch, before he left for Infiniti) A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8 even in today's UV climate I doubt we won't still have at least 4 cars at Cadillac.

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To add to its expansion, de Nysschen said the CT6 will eventually get a “very sophisticated and modern internal combustion engine” that Cadillac plans to introduce. De Nysschen also said as the current sedan models like the ATS and CTS sedans reach the end of their time, there won’t be “natural successors” for the cars. Instead, he said, Cadillac wants to “re-balance [its] sedan portfolio.”

As to the Kia.. what's so surprising. All they do is mishmash other company's designs together.. call it theirs and put a decent sized engine in it that never gets the fuel economy they promise.. never really performs as well as the big boys.. and cheapen the price to get the wow factor from sheep who are looking to be led. And if U don't believe me.. take a stock V6 Impala.. challenge someone in Genesis or Equus V8.. and be prepared to be surprised that some how your 305HP V6 beat a 400+HP V8. Either Chevy is lying to us about the 3.6L being only 305HP or Hyundai is lying.. which happens all too often

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I still think JDN is being cagey with words when he says that the number of sedans will be reduced. Yes, the XTS obviously will go, but I think the "sedans" part should be examined. The ATS and CTS aren't going to be combined into a single car, there will be vehicles in both slots... they just might not be sedans. Think new Regal Sportback, Kia Stinger, Tesla Model S as examples.

They might replace ATS and CTS with a sedan based on the Malibu platform for all we know. Never underestimate GM's ability to cost cut and cut corners. I figure as long as the Camaro is around, they'll make a 4 door sedan on the same platform, that is Cadillac's mid-size sedan. CT6 for large sedan, the rest of the line up will be crossovers. Look how crowded the sedan segment is, and a lot of these entry lux sedans are selling 1,000 units a month, hard way to make a profit.

2, 3, 4 liter engines is a no brainier since China has displacement taxes at those numbers. I wonder if JDN is getting paid by Infiniti to run Cadillac into the ground. I don't think he is being coy, I think he is clueless how to beat the Germans, and he trails all 3 Japanese luxury brands now too.

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They might replace ATS and CTS with a sedan based on the Malibu platform for all we know. Never underestimate GM's ability to cost cut and cut corners. I figure as long as the Camaro is around, they'll make a 4 door sedan on the same platform, that is Cadillac's mid-size sedan. CT6 for large sedan, the rest of the line up will be crossovers. Look how crowded the sedan segment is, and a lot of these entry lux sedans are selling 1,000 units a month, hard way to make a profit.

2, 3, 4 liter engines is a no brainier since China has displacement taxes at those numbers. I wonder if JDN is getting paid by Infiniti to run Cadillac into the ground. I don't think he is being coy, I think he is clueless how to beat the Germans, and he trails all 3 Japanese luxury brands now too.

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Cadillac's number 1 seller is front drive and the XTS is front drive, XT4 is front drive. That is a lot of front wheel drive. And the bean counters read those sales charts and see front drive selling and CTS and ATS not.

5 hours ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

Yes. Already in development Internal Codenames:

A2SL = (Alpha) (2nd Gen) (SWB)( Cadillac)=CT3

A2LL = (Alpha) (2nd Gen) (LWB)( Cadillac)= CT5

Will they be wider and have more interior space?

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I believe most of the XTS and XT5 vehicles are sold as AWD. That's not how people buy cars anyway (drive wheels)- most have no idea which end drives.
Will MB change their CUVs to FWD because the RX sells way more?

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1) Cadillac's number 1 seller is front drive and the XTS is front drive, XT4 is front drive. That is a lot of front wheel drive. And the bean counters read those sales charts and see front drive selling and CTS and ATS not.

2) Will they be wider and have more interior space?

1) Cadillac's number one seller is selling not because its FWD, but because its their only CUV in a market that wants CUVs. Bet good money that if the XT5 was actually based on the CTS RWD/AWD it would sell in the exact same numbers, maybe more as it would then be able to also be an enthusiast's vehicle with the right optional driveline

2)If they weren't.. what would even be the point of re-engineering the platform? Despite its age it is still a fantastic handler, and one of the lightest in class... plus.. considering the bitching and complaining.. and it being the one real thing that most reviewers zeroed in on thru out its life.. I'd say most likely so. Also.. look what they did with the Malibu after similar issues with space in the 2013-15 models. That car has so much space in the rear now I could have a menage a trois back there and never get a charlie horse